have questions about: Microsoft Office Specialist | A+, Network+, iNet+

Microsoft Office Specialist

1. What sets a Microsoft Office Specialist apart from the others?
2. What levels of certification are available?
3. Who benefits from the Microsoft Office Specialist program?
4. What is the test format?
5. How long does a typical test take?
6. How do I assess my current level of skill?
7. What kind of preparation is necessary for the exams?
8. Where can I take a test?
9. What languages are available?
10. How do I find out my test results?
11. Can I take an exam more than once?
12. If I don't pass a test, can I get a refund?
13. Is it possible to cheat on the test?

1. What sets a Microsoft Office Specialist apart from the others?

Anyone can say they know Microsoft Office. But now there's proof! The Microsoft Office Specialist certification validates desktop computer skills in using Office applications.

2. What levels of certification are available?

Microsoft Office Core Specialist
This level indicates that a user can handle a wide range of everyday desktop computing tasks with ease. It is currently available for Word , Excel , Access , PowerPoint , Project and Outlook .

Microsoft Office Expert Specialist
This level indicates that a user can handle more complex assignments that require advanced formatting and functionality. This certification is currently available for Word , Excel and Project .

Microsoft Office Master
This is the highest level available and indicates that a user has passed five exams – Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint Core, Access Core and Outlook Core.

3. Who benefits from the Microsoft Office Specialist program?

End Users:
The Specialist designation distinguishes an end user as truly knowledgeable in using Office products. Having had their skills proven against the Microsoft Office proficiency standard, users ultimately become more competitive in a tight job market.

Permanent and Temporary Employers:
The Microsoft Office Specialist program demonstrates employee competency and helps with both job placement and advancement. Hiring people who are Microsoft Office Specialist certified reduces the amount of training needed to bring new employees up to speed and contributes to the overall level of organizational effectiveness.

4. What is the test format?

Exams are not multiple-choice tests, nor do they require that a user rely on strict memorization. Instead, each exam is conducted within the Office product itself. Using an actual document, test candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks that clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, a Microsoft Word Specialist exam might ask a user to convert a body of text into three columns.

5. How long does a typical test take?

A typical exam takes 45 minutes.

6. How do I assess my current level of skill?

You can start by taking a look at the test objectives that describe skills you must demonstrate to successfully complete each level of test. The Fourth R provides Virtual Exam Testing environments called PinPoint. You can use this to test your skills

Meet with one of our consultants at your local Fourth R Learning Centre to determine which training and certification track is right for you.

7. What kind of preparation is necessary for the exams?

Fourth R training and certification programs guarantee your success with hands-on training, support and test preparation.

8. Where can I take a test?

All exams are administered by a Microsoft Authorized Testing Centre. Any questions about exam schedules, test policies or how exams are conducted should be directed to the nearest Fourth R Learning Centre. Most Centres require pre-registration. Contact a local Fourth R Authorized Education Centre directly to register.

9. What languages are available?

Exams are currently available in English.

10. How do I find out my test results?

Test results are displayed as soon as the test is completed. A certificate will be mailed to successful candidates in 2-3 weeks.

The entire testing procedure is conducted within a framework of complete confidentiality. To maintain a high level of security, all test data is encrypted and the actual testing process is closely monitored. Exam results are provided only to the candidate and to Microsoft.

11. Can I take an exam more than once?

There is no limit to the number of times a given exam can be taken. However, the same fee applies each time an exam is taken.

12. If I don't pass a test, can I get a refund?

Refunds are not available for failing test scores or missed exam appointments.

13. Is it possible to cheat on the test?

It's not that kind of test – users need to know what they are doing to pass. Test takers are not allowed to use manuals, notes, laptops, or any other aids during the test. Test takers can access the built-in Office Help features, but this may cost them valuable time and result in a failing test score.

Fundamental IT Tracks

The following are frequently asked questions and answers, related to the A+, Network+ and i-Net+ programs.

1. What do the tests cover?
2. Who can take the test?
3. A+ 90-day calendar rule?
4. Can I see the correct answers?
5. If I fail, what's the fee?
6. Taking A+ exams separately?
7. How long does certification last?
8. When do I receive my certificate?
9. Credit for Network+ certification?
10. Credit for i-Net+ certification?
11. What types of questions are on exams?

1. What do the exams cover?

Your best source of information for this would be to look at the test requirements that are posted on our web site. These are located on the Course Objectives page under Fundamental IT Tracks.

2. What qualifications are needed to take the exams?

Certification is open to anyone who wants to take the tests.

• The A+ exam is targeted for entry-level computer service technicians with on-the-job experience.
• The Network+ exam is geared toward networking professionals with 18-24 months experience. A typical candidate would have A+ certification or equivalent knowledge.
• The i-Net+ exam targets any individual interested in demonstrating the baseline of technical knowledge that would allow them to pursue a variety of Internet-related careers.

3. What is the A+ 90-calendar days rule?

The 90-calendar days rule states that a candidate must pass the A+ Hardware and Software exams within 90 calendar days of each other. Count the day you pass the first exam as day one.

4. If I fail the exam, may I see the correct answers?

As an internationally recognized professional certification, the exams must remain secure at all times. Thus, no test questions or answers are ever released.

5. If I fail an exam, will I have to pay to retake it?

Yes and the fee remains the same.

6. Can I take the A+ Hardware and Software exams at separate times?

Although it is possible, we strongly recommend that you take both parts of the exam at the same time. Both A+ exams must be passed within 90 calendar days.

7. How long is the certification good for?

Once you are certified, you are certified for life.

8. Once I have passed an exam, how long will it be before I receive my certificate and ID card?

It will take approximately 3 - 4 weeks.

9. Does Network+ certification apply towards other certifications?

Novell, Lotus, and Microsoft recognize Network+ certification as a foundation towards meeting "networking essentials" requirements.

10. Does i-Net+ certification apply towards other certifications?

i-Net+ certification meets the Internet Foundations requirements towards becoming a Certified Internet Professional.

11. What type of questions are on the exams?

The exams contain situational, traditional, and identification types of questions. All of the questions are multiple choice. There is one answer for each question.